NPPF 2026

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was updated last week. Have we all had a chance to read through and pick out our favourite bits? 😉

In terms of energy performance, there are four policies that grabbed the lions-share of my attention.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aabe97844ec1aa417346c0b/National_Planning_Policy_Framework.pdf

The NPPF provides a consistent approach to planning decisions that local authorities across England are expected to follow.

♻️ The NPPF may have been completely rewritten, but the energy requirements are mostly recycled material (ironically). The new standards are already commonly written into Energy Strategies.

🟡 CC1: Planning for climate change

Making sure new development is ready for the transition to net zero.

Designs should be ready for the challenge of more extreme weather in future years.

In other words, see Part L 2026 targets (the Future Homes Standard). Also see Part G (water efficiency). Also see requirements under Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

🟠 CC2: Mitigation of climate change

Plan for green transportation links, better footpaths and cycle routes, design easily commutable communities, re-use materials, renovate existing buildings, restore habitats and woodland, don’t dig up dinosaur bones and turn them into oil. Textbook stuff.

🔴 CC3: Adaptation to climate change

To consider the long term impact of the development and its future resilience.

Be mindful of building on flood plains and coastal change.

Design for surface water run off and to mitigate overheating (see Part O / TM59).

Plant more trees and consider how to protect development from wildfires.

The fourth policy, which raised a few eyebrows during the consultation, is directed at local authorities:

🟣 PM13: Setting Standards

Local policies should be justifiable, drawing upon relevant evidence of local characteristics and needs.

Local policies shouldn’t step on the toes of any target or requirement that is covered by Building Regulations, except for:

🔹 Accessibility standards (Part M). Can be amended to meet local needs.

🔹 Water efficiency targets (Part G). Councils in areas of regular water shortages can request the Optional standard (110 litres per person per day) instead of the regular 125. Or, ‘exceptionally, a more stringent local standard in areas of serious water stress’ is allowed.

🔹 Energy efficiency (Part L). Any local target that pushes a specification beyond the Future Homes Standard ‘should have a clear and robustly costed rationale which shows that there will not be an adverse impact on the viability and deliverability of development.'

If alternative metrics are used, such as Energy Use Intensity (EUI) or PassivHaus, these results must be converted back into SAPs Target Emission Rate to show how far beyond Part L the bar is being set.

As always with the NPPF, personal interpretation may vary.

❓ Have you spotted anything else in the new Framework that could be a game-changer for new proposals?